U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino insists that U.S. players have the talent to compete with the likes of Spain and Argentina but must be "arrogant" in their mentality when playing.

"There is still a gap between Argentina and Spain but we are closing it every day. I think it is a matter of belief and I think we have the ability to be more arrogant in believing that we can do well and we can do that. “Has enough quality to compete at the same level. "Pochettino said.

"I think that's where we are now and I think we'll be at that level in 2026."

Since joining U.S. Soccer in September 2024, Pochettino has emphasized the team's need for a stronger mentality as they head towards the 2026 World Cup. Although the United States will not participate in any qualifying matches as host of the 2026 World Cup, Pochettino requires his players to approach each game with a level of aggression.

“Our main goal is to keep the ball in place and then keep growing and developing ways to keep the ball in place and, of course, be aggressive and score goals because at the end of the day, this sport is about To score and not to score," Pochettino said.

"In this moment we need to react, we need to be explosive, we need to have power, we need to have the ability, the focus, the concentration and the offense and the organization to recover. Why are we asking for it so quickly?

"I think it's a combination of everything and I think if you want to have a very balanced team in and out of possession you need to be very demanding on both sides and of course we are very demanding... Yes, we are coaching the staff and trying to push the players to perform as best as possible."

The new manager later stressed that his players could improve by emulating the way the Argentines played football. He insists there is no shortage of talent but a different approach can close the gap to some of the best teams in the world.

"This is the way and the mentality of Argentinian players to compete. When you concede a goal, you cry. When you lose a game, you cry and may spend a week in the room. This is how you defend yourself. How a badge, your flag, is about defending your identity, your culture, I think that's what we want to translate," he said.

"Because when you play for your country and you hear your national anthem, you need to feel something under your skin and deep inside your heart... If we have the ability to feel that, we have the ability and Ability, we are professionals, so we have professional discipline and I think we can find or we can build a very competitive team.”

Just ten days later, players attending the U.S. national team's January training camp are starting to feel the effects of Pochettino's coaching style, which Zach Steffen defines as "demanding" and "intense."

"Pochettino, he's very demanding on the pitch, very passionate. He's someone you can go to and ask questions and talk to. He manages very well," Steph said in the mixed zone.

"It's intense, but it's really good. It's really good. You have to concentrate. It's going to be hard work. And then when practice is over, just do whatever you want and enjoy it."

The U.S. national team prepares to face Venezuela on Saturday at Chase Field in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the first of two friendlies during the January window. The team will then travel to Orlando to take on Miguel Herrera's Costa Rica, giving Pochettino a chance to judge all the players on the roster.